FAQs

Operation

How long can I continuously operate my home standby generator?

During an outage, we recommend the generator be shut down every 24 hours to inspect the air filter and oil level. Let the engine cool for approximately 15 minutes to get an accurate reading on the dipstick. A complete oil change will need to be performed after every 200 hours of operation for air-cooled units, or every 100 hours of operation for liquid-cooled units.

How do I open an air-cooled home standby generator?

Air-cooled home standby generators manufactured in 2008 or later require a key to unlock its two locks before opening the lid. The unit is locked when it is shipped. To open the lid for the first time. the customer will need to apply heavy pressure on the lid above each lock while turning the key at the same time.

General Information

What is an automatic standby generator?

An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage. it automatically supplies power directly to your home's electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside, just like a central air conditioning unit.

What constitutes a voided warranty?

The following installations will void the warranty on an automatic standby generator: *Generators used where no utility power is present(e.g.,hunting cabins) *Generators used to change backup battery systems for alternative energy sources (this does not include the EcoGen series). *Improper installations (clearance requirements, wiring.etc). *Modifcattions to the original design (extending the exhaust,etc.) *Indoor installations.

Are extended warranties available for my home standby generator?

Extended warranties are available for our home standby and commercial generators, (this does not include the CorePower Series,EcoGen, portables or power washers.) It must be purchased from an authorized sales/service dealer within the first year of ownership.Talk with your dealer for more details.

If I have my contractor replace a part, how will they get reimbursed?

Any service work performed by someone Generac has not authorized to perform warranty work cannot be claimed and will not be covered under warranty. This includes any repair work performed by an electrical contractor who is not affiliated with a service dealership. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and filter, can be done by anyone and is not covered under the warranty.

Maintenace & oil information

Are there maintenance kits available for my home standby generator?

Maintenance kits and parts can be purchased from any sales or service dealer. through our part distributors (GPCs) or online at ordertree.com. Only Generac-brand maintenance parts should be used; we don't recommend and don't have cross-reference numbers for other brands like Fram or Napa.

What kind of oil and coolant do I need to use ?

Air-cooled units will come with some SAE 30wt. oil from the factory. You will want to check the level and add more if necessary during the installation. Liquid-cooled units are shipped with oil and coolant. No additional oil needs to be added during installation.

What is the break-in period for my home standby generator?

Current model air-cooled units do not require a break-in period. They can be switched to synthetic or any weight oil immediately. Older air-cooled product required an eight-hour break-in period. The unit should run for eight hours (exercise or while powering the house) before switching to synthetic. Please check your owner's manual to see if this was required for the particular unit.

Can I perfom maintenance myself?

Always check your owner's manual to confirm specific maintenance intervals for your particular model. Anyone can perform maintenance, but we recommend a sale or service dealer as some aspects are very technical. Dealers can also make sure everything eles is in order. Most units with an OHVI engine will require maintenance every two years, or after 200 hours of use. The CorePower Serise(OHV engine) requires maintenance every year, or after 100 hours of use. The EcoGen (6kW) requires maintenance after 500 hours of use. Liquid-cooled units require maintenance every year, or after 100 hours of use.

Why use synthetic oil?

Oil recommendations are based on temperature, but synthetic oil is a good option because it doesn't degrade or "sludge" like standard oil. It also has better lubrication properties and stands up better to high temperatures in the engine.

What is the recommended oil to use?

Always check the manual for each specific model as oil recommendations change depending on the model. Our oil recommendations are based on climate or temperature. For areas with seasons, synthetic 5W-30 can be used year-around, but is not recommended in very cold temperatures.

Troubleshooting

What's the best way to troubleshoot my home standby generator?

We are limited as to the troubleshooting we are able to do without potentially damaging the product or voiding the warranty of the product (if applicable). Contact your local dealer for service if issues persist.

How do I find an authorized service dealer?

Authorized service dealers can be located on our website.

Installation

How do I size the correct gas line for my home standby generator installation?

We are not able to size the gas line for you. However, we are able to give the fuel consumption and required water column which will help the gas installers to provide the correct sizes needed for installation. These are unique to each model, consult your owner's manual for details.
Because there are so many factors that can affect gas pressure, such as having a line that is not dedicated and the distance that the line is run, your installation will require an on-site inspection and recommendation by a gas professional.

What are the installation clearance requirements for standby generators?

All standby generator clearance requierments are dicated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 37. They must be a minmum of five feet from any openings in the walls (i.e., doors,windows, sealed windows. etc.) The minmum distance from the top of the unit is also five feet. Our air-cooled home standby generators require a minmum of 18 inches of clearance from the backside of the generator (where the electric and gas inlets are located) and a minmum of 36 inches of clearance on all other sides (intake ,exhaust and from front side). This does not apply to the 7kW CorePower TM Series. Generac liquid-cooled home standby generators, as well as CorePower Series and portable units, require a minimum of 36 inches of clearance from any non-combustible surfaces (i.e., concrete, brick, etc.) and a minimum of 60 inches from any combustible surfaces (i.e., vinyl siding , wood. etc.).

How do I set the exercise time?

For all units, 6 kW and 8-20 kW, the exercise time can be set from the control board on the "edit" screen. Simply select the date and time using the up and down arrow keys. The generator time and exercise time are in military time, so if you would like the generator to excerise at 1 PM set the exercise for 1300 hours. The CorePower TM Series/analog control boards can be set by pressing and holding the "set exercise" button for 10 seconds or until the generator starts. The unit will exercise weekly on that day and time each week. To reset the exercise, disconnect the battery and press / hold the button again at the desired day/time.

How do I calculate fuel consumption conversion?

To size a gas line for a generator, most gas companies/ plumbers will need two pieces of information -water column and BTU's. All water column/ fuel-pressure and BTU information is available in your owner's manual.

How do I activate my home standby generator?

Products with a digital control panel manufactured in 2010 or later require an activation code before the unit can be operated in automatic mode.(The unit will only run in manual mode if not activated) to get the activation code. Register the product on either generac.com or activategen.com. The confirmation page (last page of the registration ) will show the five-digit activation code at the top of the screen. For any questions or issues, calls can be transferred to our activation line (x-2832) or (888) 922-8482 (this applies to models manufactuerd in 2010 or later).